The SPAR Omagh Half Marathon & 5K Run promises to be another huge and spectacular event for the County town on Sunday 26th March 2023 and local retailer, SPAR NI, is back on board to give the event its full support for the 15th year.

This year will mark the 33rd running of the Omagh Half Marathon which has grown to be a major fixture in the Athletics road running calendar with many runners returning year on year to participate and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

The brand, which stores can be found in almost every town and village in Northern Ireland continued to support the event during the most turbulent recent years. The Half Marathon was postponed in March 2020 but was subsequently run as a very successful virtual run allowing participants to complete the 13.1 mile distance from many far away and exotic places. Unfortunately there was no race in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic but the Omagh Harriers Half Marathon committee did stage a very successful return in 2022, only with a reduced limit.

Back to full capacity this year, and with an additional 800 spaces to fill, the race has reached capacity – well before 2023 even began. A true testament of the race’s esteemed profile throughout the athletics community in Northern Ireland.

Representatives from title sponsor SPAR, event organisers and lrish international athlete Ann-Marie McGlynn who was an integral part of the Irish team that won bronze medals at the European Cross Country in Italy in December, gathered in Omagh to formally announce the details for the popular event.

Fiona Canavan, Corporate Marketing Assistant at Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland said that SPAR NI was thrilled to be back on board as title sponsor for this year’s Omagh Half.

Fiona commented; “The SPAR Omagh Half is now one of the key events in our calendar and we’re proud to play a role in delivering this great regional event. SPAR is passionate about promoting health and fitness initiatives throughout Northern Ireland and eager to support such events however we can.

“Even if you can’t participate, the SPAR Omagh Half is a great family day out and we’re looking forward to being in Omagh on the day, encouraging all of the runners and handing out some great prizes and goodies from SPAR NI.”

This year’s Half Marathon Walk commences at 08:30 with the Half Run setting off at 09:30 followed by the 5K at 09:45. All participants start and end at Omagh leisure complex on the Old Mountfield Road and it is anticipated that there will be a total field of 3,500 runners, joggers and walkers.

A long-sleeved technical top will be provided to all half-marathon finishers, commemorative medals to all half-marathon and 5k finishers as well as chip timing and goodie bags provided by title-sponsor SPAR NI. Official race pacers will once again be provided for 1:30, 1:45, 2 Hour, 2:15 and 2:30 to help achieve target times.

Race Director, Michael Ward said preparations for the race are well advanced:

“On behalf of all the organisers, I’d like to pay tribute to our title sponsor SPAR NI who have worked closely with us to grow and develop the race into the popular event which exists today and look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.

“We have witnessed this event grow enormously over the past 22 years. There is an upturn in the amount of people pursuing a healthier lifestyle and with the pace and stresses of everyday living, running is a great release and also a way of meeting new friends. The Omagh Half has grown to become one of the fastest half-marathons in the country with new course records set by Stephen Scullion (1:04:46) and Ann-Marie McGlynn (1:14:28) in recent years. With over £5,000 in prize money up for grabs, we hope to attract many of the biggest names from the world of Irish running.

“As the SPAR Omagh Half approaches, The Omagh Harriers race committee are working tirelessly to ensure we deliver another quality event to enhance the experience for the thousands of runners that will descend on Omagh on March 26th. Race numbers will be posted out to all those who have pre-entered online; please keep this number safe and bring it with you on Race Day as all finishers need a valid number to enter the finish zone.

“Of course the Omagh Half isn’t just for competitive runners”, Michael continued. “Our annual 5K run also attracts huge numbers, right through from primary school children to the more experienced. We have found that many of the runners that took part in our 5K race progressed and stepped up to the Half Marathon event in recent years. For those that have never participated in a big event, I’d encourage you to get the trainers on, get out and walk, jog or run the course and enjoy the magical atmosphere on Sunday 26th March”

Registrations are still open at sientries.co.uk for the 5k Run, early entry is encouraged to avoid disappointment. Entries received by Wed 8th February will have their names printed on their race number.

For more information about the SPAR Omagh Half, visit
https://www.facebook.com/OmaghHalfMarathon

 

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